Book review: Mornings in Jenin
It feels strange to review a 12-year-old novel, but for this, my first book review on this site, I wanted to choose a book that has a special place in my heart and mind. I met the author, Susan Abulhawa, very briefly at her appearance at the Time of the Writer Festival, way back in 2013, where she kindly signed my copy of her book. (I have since lent that treasured copy out, and unfortunately it has not yet been returned.)
Prior to reading this book, I admit that my understanding of the Palestinian issue was, what can only be described as, superficial. As I flipped through the pages, I was constantly fact-checking and researching details of that time in 1948. Filled with curiosity and a thirst for the truth, I used the opportunity to re-study the history. Thus, Mornings in Jenin symbolises the spark of my own growth and understanding on the topic.
In this review, I don’t aim to give too much away. Instead, I hope to remind myself, firstly, and you, as well, to expand our bookish horizons and challenge our perceptions through text. I have been neglectful of my reading and have not read a decent book since pre-Covid! I hope to begin a new chapter, re-visit old libraries, and spend more time reading. I will be revisiting other books which I have read, re-read them if need be, and reflect on their effect in my life. From time to time, I will share my reflections right here.
I have signed up for a Good Reads account and I wonder if you would join me there, where we could recommend books to each other, and leave our reviews as well. I’ll be building my profile slowly and hope to see you there too. If you already have a Good Reads account, please leave the link in the comments below so the rest of us can join you!
Waheeda’s books
Mornings in Jenin
| Author | Susan Abulhawa |
| Title | Mornings in Jenin |
| First published in | 2010 |
| Number of pages | 322 |
Mornings in Jenin follows the story of a Palestinian farmer-family (the Abulheja’s) whose lives are turned upside down following their forced removal from their ancestral village of Ein Hod to a refugee camp in Jenin. Set in the political turmoil of pre-1948 Palestine, the family finds themselves ripped from their home and birthright with no hope of returning.
The protagonist, Amal, is a curious and intelligent young girl who earns a scholarship to the United States. We witness life before her birth, when Palestine was a British colony, and when Yehya, her grandfather, lived peacefully on his farm with his two sons; a farm on which they relied for their livelihood. We watch as more Jewish foreigners appear and then, eventually, when the state of Israel is declared.
The novel explores the theme of misery, loss and hope, amid the backdrop of Israel’s oppression and tyranny, while the concept of identity is revisited throughout the storyline.
If you’d like to read a full review, then this one of the Good Reads site would be a good start.
What books have changed your perspective in life? Let me know in the comments below.
Feel free to contact me with recommendations of your favourite books!
Stay well, inside and out
Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi
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